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Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Thyroid Surgery in Children and Adolescents: A Single Center Experience. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121992. [PMID: 36553435 PMCID: PMC9776402 DOI: 10.3390/children9121992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) has been shown in adults to minimize nerve palsy after thyroid surgery, but only few studies on its efficacy in a pediatric population have been reported. We conducted a retrospective study on patients operated for thyroid lesions from 2016 to 2022. The analyzed population was divided in two groups: patients treated from 2016 to 2020, when the identification of the RLN was performed without IONM (Group A); and patients treated since 2021, when IONM was implemented in every surgical procedure on the thyroid (Group B). Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring was performed by using corticobulbar motor-evoked potentials and continuous electromyography. Twentyfive children underwent thyroid resection, 19 (76%) of which due to thyroid carcinoma. Each patient's recurrent nerve was identified; IONM was used in 13 patients. In Group A, one temporary nerve palsy was identified postoperatively (8.3%), while in group B one nerve dysfunction occurred (7.7%). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of post-operative RLN palsy. No surgical complication due to the use of IONM was reported. In children and teenagers, intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is a safe and accurate method, minimizing the risk of nerve damage.
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Princi P, Gallo G, Tempera SE, Umbriano A, Goglia M, Andreoli F, Nigro C. The impact of intraoperative “Nerve Monitoring” in a tertiary referral center for thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Front Surg 2022; 9:983966. [PMID: 36034362 PMCID: PMC9399456 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.983966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most fearsome complication in thyroid surgery is the temporary or definitive recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) on postoperative outcomes after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. From October 2014 to February 2016, a total of 80 consecutive patients, with high risk of RLN injuries, underwent thyroid and parathyroid surgery. They were divided in two groups (IONM group and control group), depending on whether neuromonitoring was used or not. We used the Nerve Integrity Monitoring System (NIM)-Response 3.0® (Medtronic Xomed®). The operation time (p = 0.014). and the length of hospital stay (LOS) (p = 0.14) were shorter in the IONM group. Overall mean follow-up was 96.7 ± 14.3 months. The rate of transient RLN palsy was 2.6% in IONM group and 2.5% in the control group (p = not significant). Only one case of definitive RLN injury was reported in control group. No differences were reported between the two groups in terms of temporary or definitive RLN injury. Routine use of IOMN increases the surgery cost, but overall, it leads to long-term cost savings thanks to the reduction of both operating times (106.3 ± 38.7 vs 128.1 ± 39.3, p: 0.01) and LOS (3.2 ± 1.5 vs 3.7 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.14). Anatomical visualization of RLN remains the gold standard in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Nevertheless, IONM is proved to be a valid help without the ambition to replace surgeon's experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Princi
- UOC Centro Multifunzionale di Chirurgia Endocrina, Ospedale Cristo Re, Roma, Italy
| | - Gaetano Gallo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: Gaetano Gallo 0000-0003-1066-4671
| | - Serena Elisa Tempera
- UOC Centro Multifunzionale di Chirurgia Endocrina, Ospedale Cristo Re, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Marta Goglia
- Department of Surgery, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Andreoli
- UOC Centro Multifunzionale di Chirurgia Endocrina, Ospedale Cristo Re, Roma, Italy
| | - Casimiro Nigro
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italy
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Ling Y, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Li K, Wang Y, Kang H. Role of intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520952646. [PMID: 32961083 PMCID: PMC7513400 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520952646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has a
significant advantage in reducing the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve
(RLN) injury. Methods Patients who underwent thyroid and parathyroid surgery from October 2012 to
December 2017 at the Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery of Xuanwu
Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the IONM
group and visualization alone group (VA group) according to whether IONM was
used. Results In total, 1696 nerves at risk of injury (IONM group, n = 1104; VA group,
n = 592) were included in the analysis. Among the high-risk nerves,
permanent damage occurred in no cases in the IONM group but in one case in
the VA group. Because the higher proportion of central lymph node metastasis
caused difficulties in central cervical lymph node dissection and
identification of the RLN, the patients undergoing lateral cervical lymph
node dissection in the VA group had a significantly higher risk of
postoperative RLN injury (11.76% vs. 0.00%). Conclusion IONM technology has advantages in protection of the RLN, especially in
high-risk nerves and patients with a high proportion of central lymph node
metastasis who require central and lateral cervical lymph node
dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Ling
- Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaifu Li
- Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Kang
- Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Calò PG, Medas F, Canu GL, Erdas E. Monitored transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy. Gland Surg 2019; 8:318-321. [PMID: 31538053 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2018.07.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Giorgio Calò
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Fabio Medas
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Canu
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Enrico Erdas
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Cirocchi R, Arezzo A, D'Andrea V, Abraha I, Popivanov GI, Avenia N, Gerardi C, Henry BM, Randolph J, Barczyñski M. Intraoperative neuromonitoring versus visual nerve identification for prevention of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in adults undergoing thyroid surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 1:CD012483. [PMID: 30659577 PMCID: PMC6353246 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012483.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injuries to the recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (RILN) remain one of the major post-operative complications after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Damage to this nerve can result in a temporary or permanent palsy, which is associated with vocal cord paresis or paralysis. Visual identification of the RILN is a common procedure to prevent nerve injury during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Recently, intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been introduced in order to facilitate the localisation of the nerves and to prevent their injury during surgery. IONM permits nerve identification using an electrode, where, in order to measure the nerve response, the electric field is converted to an acoustic signal. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of IONM versus visual nerve identification for the prevention of RILN injury in adults undergoing thyroid surgery. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ICTRP Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the last search of all databases was 21 August 2018. We did not apply any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IONM nerve identification plus visual nerve identification versus visual nerve identification alone for prevention of RILN injury in adults undergoing thyroid surgery DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance. One review author carried out screening for inclusion, data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessment and a second review author checked them. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For continuous outcomes, we calculated mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. We assessed trials for certainty of the evidence using the GRADE instrument. MAIN RESULTS Five RCTs with 1558 participants (781 participants were randomly assigned to IONM and 777 to visual nerve identification only) met the inclusion criteria; two trials were performed in Poland and one trial each was performed in China, Korea and Turkey. Inclusion and exclusion criteria differed among trials: previous thyroid or parathyroid surgery was an exclusion criterion in three trials. In contrast, this was a specific inclusion criterion in another trial. Three trials had central neck compartment dissection or lateral neck dissection and Graves' disease as exclusion criteria. The mean duration of follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months. The mean age of participants ranged between 41.7 years and 51.9 years.There was no firm evidence of an advantage or disadvantage comparing IONM with visual nerve identification only for permanent RILN palsy (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.77; P = 0.54; 4 trials; 2895 nerves at risk; very low-certainty evidence) or transient RILN palsy (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.08; P = 0.09; 4 trials; 2895 nerves at risk; very low-certainty evidence). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Transient hypoparathyroidism as an adverse event was not substantially different between intervention and comparator groups (RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.45 to 3.47; P = 0.66; 2 trials; 286 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Operative time was comparable between IONM and visual nerve monitoring alone (MD 5.5 minutes, 95% CI -0.7 to 11.8; P = 0.08; 3 trials; 1251 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Three of five included trials provided data on all-cause mortality: no deaths were reported. None of the trials reported socioeconomic effects. The evidence reported in this review was mostly of very low certainty, particularly because of risk of bias, a high degree of imprecision due to wide confidence intervals and substantial between-study heterogeneity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Results from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that there is currently no conclusive evidence for the superiority or inferiority of IONM over visual nerve identification only on any of the outcomes measured. Well-designed, executed, analysed and reported RCTs with a larger number of participants and longer follow-up, employing the latest IONM technology and applying new surgical techniques are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cirocchi
- University of PerugiaDepartment of General SurgeryTerniItaly05100
| | - Alberto Arezzo
- University of TorinoDepartment of Surgical SciencesCorso Achille Mario Dogliotti 14TurinItaly10126
| | - Vito D'Andrea
- Sapienza University of RomeDepartment of Surgical SciencesViale Regina Elena, 324RomeItaly00161
| | - Iosief Abraha
- Regional Health Authority of UmbriaHealth Planning ServicePerugiaItaly06124
| | - Georgi I Popivanov
- Medical Military Academy of SofiaDepartment of Surgery"Sv. Georgi Sofiiski" 3SofiaBulgaria1606
| | - Nicola Avenia
- University of PerugiaDepartment of Surgical SciencesPerugiaItaly06034
| | - Chiara Gerardi
- IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriVia La Masa, 19MilanItaly20156
| | - Brandon Michael Henry
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterDivision of Cardiology3333 Burnet AveCincinnatiOhioUSA45229
| | - Justus Randolph
- Mercer UniversityGeorgia Baptist College of Nursing3001 Mercer University Dr.AtlantaGAUSA30341
| | - Marcin Barczyñski
- Jagiellonian University, Medical CollegeDepartment of Endocrine Surgery, Third Chair of General Surgery37 Pradnicka StreetKrakowPoland31‐202
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Erçetin C, Şahbaz A, Acar S, Tutal F, Aksakal N, Sarı S, Erbil Y. Is intraoperative nerve monitoring useful for surgical training in thyroid surgery? Turk J Surg 2018; 35:259-264. [PMID: 32551421 DOI: 10.5578/turkjsurg.4281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) are at risk during thyroid surgery. However, the identification of the nerves has reduced these risks. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgery has gained widespread acceptance as an aid to the gold standard of visually identifying the RLN. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the identification of the RLN during thyroidectomy by using IONM. Material and Methods Seven hundred forty-eight patients were included in our prospectively designed study. Of these 748 patients, 1496 nerves at risk were studied. Group 1 consisted of 736 nerves that were identified using IONM, whereas Group 2 consisted of 760 visually identified nerves. Results In the non-IONM group, the rate of temporary nerve palsy was lower in patients operated by experienced surgeons than in patients operated by residents (p= 0.001). In the IONM group, RLN injury rates were similar between experienced surgeons and residents. Conclusion In spite of the fact that the duration of the operation was lower with IONM, the abbreviated duration may not appear to have clinical significance. The main advantage is for less experienced surgeons. IONM significantly decreases RLN palsy rates of the surgeons with limited experience in thyroid surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candaş Erçetin
- Department of General Surgery, Health Sciences University, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Şahbaz
- Department of General Surgery, Health Sciences University, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sami Acar
- Department of General Surgery, Acıbadem Taksim Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fırat Tutal
- Department of General Surgery, Kolan International Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nihat Aksakal
- Department of General Surgery, İstanbul University Istanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Serkan Sarı
- Department of General Surgery, Health Sciences University, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Erbil
- Department of General Surgery, İstanbul University İstanbul School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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Effect of nerve monitoring on complications of thyroid surgery. North Clin Istanb 2018; 5:14-19. [PMID: 29607426 PMCID: PMC5864701 DOI: 10.14744/nci.2017.93764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The most frequent and critical complications of thyroid surgery are recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypocalcemia. In first years of the 21st century, intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was introduced as a new technique to avoid the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. However, the role and the benefits of IONM are still controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative complication rates during thyroid surgery with IONM usage (Group 1) and conventional direct visual technique without IONM usage (Group 2). METHODS: We conducted retrospective review of all patients undergoing thyroid surgery in Lütfiye Nuri Burat State Hospital General Surgery Department between 2014 and 2016 years. Patients have been classified in to two groups: Group 1 and 2. RESULTS: Overall, 191 patients were included in the study; Group 1 comprised 79 patients and Group 2 comprised 112 patients. Unilateral RLN paralysis was observed in 7 patients in Group 1 (8.9%) and 15 patients in Group 2 (13.4%) without any significant difference between the groups (p=0.368). Hypocalcemia was encountered in 5 patients (6.3%) in Group 1 and 18 patients (16.1%) in Group 2; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.045). Other complications (such as hematoma and suture reaction) were not significantly different. Operation time was found to be significantly shorter in Group 1 (Mean time, 93.08 min) than in Group 2 (116.54 min) (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Proven effect of IONM on RLN paralysis is still controversial. However, easy identification of RLN, which gives more confidence to surgeon, and shorter operation time may be factors to lower hypocalcemia rates.
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Demontis R, Pittau MR, Maturo A, Petruzzo P, Calò G. Medico legal aspects on neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery: informed consent on malpractice claims. G Chir 2017; 38:149-154. [PMID: 29205147 DOI: 10.11138/gchir/2017.38.3.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this paper is to provide a forensic profile framework of neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery, regarding the information given to the patient and its classification as part of professional liability in the event of recurrent injury. METHOD Evaluation and reflections on the required behaviour of the surgeon on providing details on the operation before the informed consent is given and to outline the possible legal implications regarding professional liability as a result of recurrent injury. In particular, if it is an obligation to inform the patient about using this method and if it is possible for the surgeon to freely choose whether to employ this method, which is still burdened by a certain percentage of error and for that reason it cannot be defined a "standard of care". RESULTS To recognize neuromonitoring the role of standard of care in surgery of the thyroid means attribute a role of method able to avoid the surgeon to cause iatrogenic damage to the laryngeal nerve. For the foregoing reasons that is not true, determining false positives and false negatives, and this can be a double edged sword for the surgeon. CONCLUSIONS Although the progress in the field of thyroid surgery made in the last decade, currently there is no scientific reassuring evidence to completely avoid the possibility of producing an iatrogenic lesion of the laryngeal nerve. Information given to the patient prior to surgery should respect the requirements of completeness, freedom and honesty in order to allow the patient to self-determination.
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Chávez KV, Ramírez J, Pantoja JP, Sierra M, Velázquez-Fernández D, Herrera MF. Continuous intraoperative neural monitoring in thyroid surgery: a Mexican experience. Updates Surg 2017; 69:505-508. [PMID: 28493220 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-017-0455-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intraoperative continuous neural monitoring (C-IONM) during thyroid surgery has been recognized as a useful tool to identify and confirm recurrent laryngeal nerve integrity. The aim of the present study is to analyze electromyographic features and thresholds for normal vocal fold function in our initial experience with C-IONM in thyroid surgery. C-IONM was utilized in 57 patients who underwent thyroid surgery between July 2012 and December 2015. EMG parameters were analyzed looking for potential predictors of postoperative vocal fold dismotility. There were 54 females (94.7%) and 3 males (5.3%) with a mean age of 46.7 ± 11.6 years. C-IONM was successfully registered in 89 of 107 nerves at risk (83.1%). Mean basal amplitude was 727.31 ± 471.25 μV and mean final amplitude was 650.27 ± 526.87 μV (P = 0.095, CI 95% 13.83-167.91). Mean basal latency was 5.23 ± 1.42 mS and mean final latency was 5.18 ± 1.50 mS (P = 0.594, CI 95% 0.39-0.24). Four patients had transient postoperative vocal fold paresis. None of these four patients had loss of signal (LOS), three had transient decrease in amplitude, and one had a normal registry throughout the operation. C-IONM is a useful tool to identify patients in whom intraoperative RLN is at risk during surgery. Final amplitude above 500 μV and no LOS is associated with RLN integrity and normal postoperative vocal fold function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Verónica Chávez
- Service of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga #15, Tlalpan, PO Box 14000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jackeline Ramírez
- Service of Otolaryngology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Pablo Pantoja
- Service of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga #15, Tlalpan, PO Box 14000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Sierra
- Service of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga #15, Tlalpan, PO Box 14000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Velázquez-Fernández
- Service of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga #15, Tlalpan, PO Box 14000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel F Herrera
- Service of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga #15, Tlalpan, PO Box 14000, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Deniwar A, Kandil E, Randolph G. Electrophysiological neural monitoring of the laryngeal nerves in thyroid surgery: review of the current literature. Gland Surg 2015; 4:368-75. [PMID: 26425449 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2227-684x.2015.04.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is one of the most common complications of thyroid surgery. RLN injury can cause vocal cord paralysis, affecting the patient's voice and the quality of life. Injury of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) can cause cricothyroid muscle denervation affecting high vocal tones. Thus, securing the laryngeal nerves in these surgeries is of utmost importance. Visual identification of the nerves has long been the standard method for this precaution. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been introduced as a novel technology to improve the protection of the laryngeal nerves and reduce the rate of RLN injury. The aim of this article is to provide a brief description of the technique and review the literature to illustrate the value of IONM. IONM can provide early identification of anatomical variations and unusual nerve routes, which carry a higher risk of injury if not detected. IONM helps in prognosticating postoperative nerve function. Moreover, by detecting nerve injury intraoperatively, it aids in staging bilateral surgeries to avoid bilateral vocal cord paralysis and tracheostomy. The article will discuss the value of continuous IONM (C-IOMN) that may prevent nerve injury by detecting EMG waveform changes indicating impending nerve injury. Herein, we are also discussing anatomy of laryngeal nerves and aspects of its injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Deniwar
- 1 Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA ; 2 Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, USA
| | - Emad Kandil
- 1 Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA ; 2 Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, USA
| | - Gregory Randolph
- 1 Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA ; 2 Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, USA
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Calò PG, Pisano G, Medas F, Pittau MR, Gordini L, Demontis R, Nicolosi A. Identification alone versus intraoperative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery: experience of 2034 consecutive patients. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014; 43:16. [PMID: 24942225 PMCID: PMC4074847 DOI: 10.1186/1916-0216-43-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of intraoperative neuromonitoring in reducing the postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rate by a comparison between patients submitted to thyroidectomy with intraoperative neuromonitoring and with routine identification alone. METHODS Between June 2007 and December 2012, 2034 consecutive patients underwent thyroidectomy by a single surgical team. We compared patients who have had neuromonitoring and patients who have undergone surgery with nerve visualization alone. Patients in which neuromonitoring was not utilized (Group A) were 993, patients in which was utilized (group B) were 1041. RESULTS In group A 28 recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries were observed (2.82%), 21 (2.11%) transient and 7 (0.7%) permanent. In group B 23 recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries were observed (2.21%), in 17 cases (1.63%) transient and in 6 (0.58%) permanent. Differences were not statistically significative. CONCLUSIONS Visual nerve identification remains the gold standard of recurrent laryngeal nerve management in thyroid surgery. Neuromonitoring helps to identify the nerve, in particular in difficult cases, but it did not decrease nerve injuries compared with visualization alone. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the benefit of intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroidectomy, especially in conditions in which the recurrent nerve is at high risk of injury.
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Calò PG, Pisano G, Medas F, Marcialis J, Gordini L, Erdas E, Nicolosi A. Total thyroidectomy without prophylactic central neck dissection in clinically node-negative papillary thyroid cancer: is it an adequate treatment? World J Surg Oncol 2014; 12:152. [PMID: 24885654 PMCID: PMC4032348 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-12-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid cancer are common. Although central neck dissection is indicated in clinically nodal-positive disease, it remains controversial in patients with no clinical evidence of nodal metastasis. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the outcomes of clinically lymph node-negative patients with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent total thyroidectomy without a central neck dissection, in order to determine the rates of recurrence and reoperation in these patients compared with a group of patients submitted to total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection. Methods Two-hundred and eighty-five patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer, in the absence of suspicious nodes, were divided in two groups: those who underwent a thyroidectomy only (group A; n = 220) and those who also received a central neck dissection (group B; n = 65). Results Six cases (2.1%) of nodal recurrence were observed: 4 in group A and 2 in group B. Tumor histology was associated with risk of recurrence: Hürthle cell-variant and tall cell-variant carcinomas were associated with a high risk of recurrence. Multifocality and extrathyroidal invasion also presented a higher risk, while smaller tumors were at lower risk. Conclusions The role of prophylactic central lymph node dissection in the management of papillary thyroid cancer remains controversial. Total thyroidectomy appears to be an adequate treatment for clinically node-negative papillary thyroid cancer. Prophylactic central neck dissection could be considered for the more appropriate selection of patients for radioiodine treatment and should be reserved for high-risk patients only. No clinical or pathological factors are able to predict with any certainty the presence of nodal metastasis. In our experience, tumor size, some histological types, multifocality, and locoregional infiltration are related to an increased risk of recurrence. The potential use of molecular markers will hopefully offer a further strategy to stratify the risk of recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid cancer and allow a more tailored approach to offer prophylactic central neck dissection to patients with the greatest benefit. Multi-institutional larger studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
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Medas F, Calò PG, Lai ML, Tuveri M, Pisano G, Nicolosi A. Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to thyroid tumor: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2013; 7:265. [PMID: 24325865 PMCID: PMC3878860 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-7-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metastatic neoplasms to the thyroid gland are rare in clinical practice. Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most frequent site of origin of thyroid metastases and represents 12 to 34% of all secondary thyroid tumors. Tumor-to-tumor metastases, in which a thyroid neoplasm is the recipient of a metastasis, are exceedingly rare. We report a case of clear cell renal carcinoma metastatic to a follicular adenoma. This is the tenth case of renal cell carcinoma metastasis to thyroid tumor reported in the literature. Case presentation A 62-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of clear cell renal carcinoma was admitted to our institution for multinodular goiter. A histological examination after total thyroidectomy revealed clear cell renal carcinoma metastasis to a thyroid follicular adenoma. Conclusions Preoperative diagnosis of secondary thyroid neoplasm is difficult to achieve. The diagnosis of metastatic disease should be taken into account if patients have a history of clear cell renal carcinoma or if there is a multifocal growth pattern and clear cell appearance of the cytoplasm.
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Differentiated thyroid cancer: indications and extent of central neck dissection--our experience. Int J Surg Oncol 2013; 2013:625193. [PMID: 24282633 PMCID: PMC3804149 DOI: 10.1155/2013/625193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of metastases in the central neck compartment and examine the morbidity and rate of recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with or without a central neck dissection. Two hundred and fifteen patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with preoperative diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer, in the absence of suspicious nodes, were divided in two groups: those who underwent a thyroidectomy only (group A; n = 169) and those who also received a central neck dissection (group B; n = 46).
Five cases (2.32%) of nodal recurrence were observed: 3 in group A and 2 in group B. Tumor histology was associated with a risk of recurrence: Hürthle cell-variant and tall cell-variant carcinomas were associated with a high risk of recurrence. Multifocality and extrathyroidal invasion also presented a higher risk, while smaller tumors were at lower risk. The results of this study suggest that prophylactic central neck dissection should be reserved for high-risk patients only. A wider use of immunocytochemical and genetic markers to improve preoperative diagnosis and the development of methods for the intraoperative identification of metastatic lymph nodes will be useful in the future for the improved selection of patients for central neck dissections.
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